The last week of the year is the perfect time to look back before you plan ahead. These new year journal prompts are split into two parts: closing 2026 and opening 2027.
Quick answer
Good new year journal prompts look back before they look ahead: what you want to remember from 2026, what you learned and what you’re ready to leave behind, then the word, habit and feeling you want for 2027. Answer the reflection prompts one evening and the planning prompts the next morning.
Looking back on 2026
- What are three moments from this year you want to remember?
- What surprised you most about this year?
- What did you learn the hard way?
- Who showed up for you, and how can you thank them?
- What are you ready to leave behind?
Looking ahead to 2027
- What word do you want to guide your year?
- What would make 2027 feel like a good year, even if nothing big happens?
- Which habit would make everything else easier?
- What is one thing you will try for the first time?
- How do you want to feel on December 31, 2027?
A simple year-end ritual
- Answer the “looking back” prompts on one evening.
- Sleep on it.
- Answer the “looking ahead” prompts the next morning.
- Choose your word of the year and write it on the first page of your planner.
New Year Reflection Pages
Year-in-review and year-ahead pages with these prompts plus a few extra, and space to write.
Free for personal use. Print at 100% scale (“actual size”), or open it in GoodNotes or Notability.
Frequently asked questions
When should I do a year-end reflection?
Any time in the last week of December or the first week of January. Splitting it into two sessions, looking back and then looking ahead, keeps it from feeling heavy.
How do I choose a word of the year?
Read back over your answers and look for a word that keeps coming up, or one that describes how you want 2027 to feel. Write it on the first page of your planner.
Are the new year reflection pages free?
Yes. The 4-page PDF is free for personal use. Enter your email in the download form and we will send you the PDF link.
